|
|
About Me
Pages From Life's Rich Pageant
My wife and I are the Fresno, California branch of the Western Skibbie clan. While the rest live up in the Portland, Oregon area, Shiela and I have chosen to live in Fresno, a unique part of California. We're about halfway between SF and LA in the Central Valley. Two hours from surfing at the beach and about an hour from skiing in the mountains.I spent most of my growing up years in a VERY small farm town in Southern Oregon called Days Creek. My graduating class at H.S. had 25 students. My family lived on a 307-acre ranch raising sheep, wheat, hay and plenty of other things. After some time in the Air Force, I moved to Fresno, California in 1989 and graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1992 with a degree in photojournalism. Shiela was raised most of her life in Fresno and graduated Fresno State in 1996 with a degree in Deaf Education. She's currently teaching fifth grade at Wilson Elementary in Selma. She's finishing her teaching credential at Fresno Pacific University. Lately, she's been tossing around the idea of getting her Masters degree. Go, girl.
|
A Brief Who/What/Where of the Fresno Skibbies
In May of 1998, Shiela and I bought a 100-year-old 2400 sq. ft., two-story brick home (see pictures above and below) in the historic Lowell neighborhood. Presently, this neighborhood has one of Fresno's highest crime and poverty rates. It used to be one of the RICHEST and safest places, located just north of Downtown. Today, about 98% of the children in Lowell live BELOW the poverty level. Broken families, gangs, drugs and prostitution have replaced the security of community living. Our move here was inspired by God's "agenda" for those poor in health, finance and spirit. We knew several other families who moved to the Lowell 'hood in the years before us, and how the Lord was using them. After much prayer and consultation, we decided on buying the brick house on San Pablo Avenue. |
|
So What Are We Doing, Now?
We were blessed enough to not have to spend too many cold nights in our big, old icebox-of-a-home. My parents asked us to accompany them to Mexico in December. So we spent seven warm days and nights in Puerto Vallarta at a resort called the Mayan Palace. Resorts mean you don't really worry about anything, everything goes on your room tab. It also means you sit around the pool and bake in the sun. And drink alot. Or you can go to the beach and bake there, while basting yourself in Dos Equis(how do you pluralize 'Equis'?) or Margaritas. I keep thinking of Jimmy Buffet, I don't know why. We had a good time, despite being so untypically leisured (I don't know if that's a real word). Mom and Dad were very well behaved and Shiela and I were glad to be seen in public with them. Seriously though, the most important thing we brought back from Mexico was the uncomfortable experience of living in extreme wealth (the resort) and being surrounded by severe poverty. I guess it's not unfamiliar-- Shiela and I are among those who feel called to live among the poor of Downtown Fresno. All of us who have moved here are in middle class or upper middle class incomes. I think we all struggle with, in some degree, the fact that wealth is a barrier between us and our neighbors who we desire to help. The Bible has tons to say about both wealth and the poor. But few Biblical scholars, pastors or leaders approach the subject, I'm guessing because our money is something that we don't like to discuss with others. I'm not sure there's anything that says we should keep that stuff secret. Funny thing that here in American pop-culture, sex lives are public matters, but money is private. So, here we are the rich in a poor neighborhood. I'm just trying to see what the Lord would have us do. I'll add more thoughts later.
|
|
More About Us
We were mentored, educated and encouraged by many people in the last few years... Randy and Tina White (two very influential and awesome people that God has used as advisors in marriage and Kingdom-building.)Our neighbors, Kurt and Cindy Sterling. Dr. Marty Martin and his wife Joanie on Glenn Street, and H. and Terry Spees, all families who have exemplified Christian community very much.Finally, our parents Kent and Mary Skibbie, Rick and Linda Peters and Charlene and John Henry. While our urban ministry aspirations first drew some puzzled responses, our families nonetheless have been a blessing by giving us plenty of love and support.
Thanks To Good Family & Friends, Too!
Shiela will be finished with the Teacher Credential Program at Fresno Pacific University in July 2001. Lately, she's been substituting and tutoring at Sylvan Learning Center.I'm working as a photographer, shooting sports and other stuff. We attend First Presbyterian Church which is conveniently located just a 5-minute's walk from our house. I've been leading worship for the Contemporary service the past six months. We also are continuing to pursue the Lord's will in building a home-church with several other families in our neighborhood. The harvest is ready, but workers are few-- but He's faithful.
|
|
|
|
